The best road cycling routes around Westchester

Westchester offers a wide variety of road cycling routes, with over 60 distinct tours available. These routes cater to different skill levels, from easy scenic rides to more challenging routes with significant elevation changes.

Road cycling in Westchester features diverse terrain, including rolling hills, expansive parklands, and scenic routes around reservoirs like the New Croton and Kensico Reservoirs. You'll also find dedicated multi-use trailways, such as the North County and South County Trailways, which follow former railroad beds, offering smoother, flatter rides through wooded areas and charming towns. Some routes also provide picturesque views of the Hudson River.

Yes, Westchester has several easy road cycling routes perfect for beginners or families. For example, the Salt Creek – Brookfield Woods loop from Highlands is an easy 17.4-mile (28.0 km) trail offering a gentle ride through local parklands. The paved multi-use trailways like the North County and South County Trailways are also excellent choices for a relaxed ride.

For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, Westchester offers routes with significant elevation gain and longer distances. While not explicitly detailed in the provided routes, the region is known for routes like the New Croton Reservoir Loop and the Armonk Loop, which include rolling hills. The Keepataw Reserve loop from Highlands is a moderate 37.9-mile (61.0 km) trail with notable elevation, providing a good workout.

The best times for road cycling in Westchester are typically spring, summer, and fall. These seasons offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, from blooming spring flowers to colorful autumn foliage. While winter cycling is possible, conditions can be challenging due to cold weather and potential snow or ice.

Many road cycling routes in Westchester offer stunning scenic viewpoints and natural features. You can enjoy picturesque views of the Hudson River, especially along sections of the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail. Routes around the New Croton and Kensico Reservoirs provide beautiful waterside vistas, with the Kensico Dam being a notable landmark. You might also encounter natural areas like Brookfield Woods or Lyman Woods Forest Preserve.

The road cycling experience in Westchester is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 25 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, from rolling hills to scenic reservoir loops, and the extensive network of dedicated multi-use trailways. The variety of routes ensures options for all ability levels, making it a popular destination for many.

Yes, Westchester offers several notable landmarks and historical sites. The Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Trail, a 26.2-mile path, is a National Historic Landmark providing picturesque scenery and access to historic sites. You can also find attractions like the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio near some routes, offering cultural points of interest.

Westchester features numerous loop trails, which are popular among road cyclists for their convenience. Examples include the Lilac Park – Lake Ellyn loop from Berkeley, a moderate 27.8-mile (44.7 km) path, and the Adams Park – Illinois Prairie Path loop from York & Wood Glen. The Kensico Reservoir Loop and New Croton Reservoir Loop are also well-known circular routes.

Road cycling routes in Westchester vary significantly in length. You can find shorter, easy routes around 17 miles (28 km), such as the Salt Creek – Brookfield Woods loop from Highlands. Moderate routes often range from 25 to 38 miles (40-60 km), like the Salt Creek – Salt Creek loop from Highlands at 28.1 miles (45.3 km). Longer, more challenging routes can extend beyond 50 miles.

Yes, Westchester boasts an extraordinary system of dedicated multi-use trailways ideal for road cycling. The North County Trailway (22.1 miles) and South County Trailway (14.1 miles) are paved paths following former railroad routes, offering smooth and scenic rides. The Bronx River Pathway also provides about 9 miles of paved path suitable for cycling.

While specific parking details for individual routes are best checked on their respective komoot tour pages, many trailheads for the multi-use trailways (like the North County and South County Trailways) offer designated parking areas. For public transport options, you can consult the Westchester County government's resources on activities like hiking and biking, which sometimes include access information. You can find more general information about activities in the county at westchestercountyny.gov.